Ecosophical Reflections on Human-Animal Affinity in Tagore’s “Subha” and Premchand’s “Two Bullocks”

Abstract

Rabindranath Tagore and Premchand are always considered to be the pioneering figures in the literary and cultural renaissance of modern India on account of their tremendous contribution. Both stories, set in the typical Indian background of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, are remarkable studies of the deeper aspects of human and animal nature. Tagore’s “Subha” is built on its protagonist, Subhasini, which means ‘soft spoken’. Defying her name, she was dumb and additionally, was deaf too, making her existence a curse for her parents and family. The proximity between human beings and animals is beautifully reflected in “Two Bullocks” by Premchand. This story illustrates the loyalty between the owner and his bullocks. When the bullocks were sent away by their master, they revolted silently and did not touch food. After a series of adversities, they helped other animals and a kitten escape from the cattle pound and finally fled to their owner’s house, where they were welcomed, tears in their master's eyes. The prime objective of this paper is to explore the ecosophical interdependence between human beings and animals, drawing on these two stories.